Is it Unhealthy to Be Single for a Long Time? Let's Talk About It

The Impact of Loneliness on Your Health

Well, first things first, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: being single for a long time doesn’t necessarily mean you’re lonely, but let’s face it, sometimes you can feel that way. I mean, I’ve been there, sitting alone on a Friday night, scrolling through social media and wondering if there’s something wrong with me for not having a significant other. Does that make me unhealthy? Honestly, it depends.

There’s a lot of research about the effects of loneliness on your health, and it’s a bit concerning. Loneliness, especially when prolonged, can lead to mental and physical issues, including depression, anxiety, and even higher risks of heart disease. I remember talking to a friend recently who had been single for a few years, and she said she felt like her social life had suffered. We all know how isolation can spiral, right? If you're not getting out enough, or if you're not finding meaningful connections, it can impact your well-being.

How Loneliness Affects Your Mental Health

The connection between loneliness and mental health isn’t something to ignore. Research suggests that loneliness can be just as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Honestly, when I first read that statistic, I was kind of shocked. How could being alone be that harmful? But, if you really think about it, human beings are wired for connection. We crave it. And without it, our brains don’t get the social stimulation they need.

That said, being alone doesn’t automatically lead to mental health issues. It’s more about how you handle your time alone and whether you’re able to build a fulfilling life solo. For example, some people thrive in solitude, using it for personal growth or hobbies. But, if you constantly feel disconnected or if you’re not actively engaging in relationships, that can lead to mental health challenges.

The Positive Side of Being Single

Embracing Personal Growth and Independence

But wait—before you start thinking that being single is a one-way ticket to emotional despair, let me throw in a twist. Being single has its perks. Actually, I’ve learned so much about myself during my single years. There’s this freedom that comes with it, the ability to do what you want, when you want, without having to check in with anyone. Honestly, I can’t help but feel like I’ve become more independent and self-sufficient.

If you approach being single with the mindset of personal growth, it can be one of the most enriching periods of your life. You have the chance to focus on your career, explore hobbies, travel, or even just work on becoming the best version of yourself. Plus, let's be real, there’s no arguing over what to watch on Netflix, right?

Building Stronger Friendships

One of the things I’ve noticed during my own solo journey is that I’ve put more effort into friendships. Without the distraction of a romantic relationship, I’ve had more time and energy to invest in my friends. Sure, sometimes it can be hard not having a partner to share everything with, but I’ve learned that true friendship can be just as fulfilling.

When you’re single, you have the chance to build stronger bonds with friends, family, and even your community. Those relationships are important too, and they contribute massively to your emotional well-being.

The Social Pressure to Couple Up

The Pressure to Be in a Relationship

Here’s the thing—sometimes the pressure to be in a relationship gets to you. I was talking to a colleague the other day, and she was saying how annoying it is when people constantly ask her, "Why are you still single?" I get it. People often feel like they need to have a significant other to be validated in society.

But, let’s be honest, that pressure can be unhealthy. Just because you're single doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you. It might just mean that you're focusing on other aspects of your life, or that you're waiting for the right person.

The Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)

Social media doesn’t help with this, either. I mean, you scroll through Instagram, and there’s always someone posting a romantic dinner or a cute couple selfie, right? It can easily trigger FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) and make you question if you're missing out on something important. Honestly, I’ve been there, feeling like everyone around me was in a relationship, while I was alone. But the truth is, social media can create an illusion of perfection. What you don’t see is the behind-the-scenes reality of those relationships.

So, it’s important to remember that being single doesn’t mean you’re missing out on life. It just means you’re choosing a different path for now.

The Bottom Line: Is It Unhealthy to Be Single?

So, is being single for a long time unhealthy? Honestly, it depends on how you approach it. If you're actively working on yourself, maintaining strong friendships, and engaging in hobbies, being single can be incredibly fulfilling. But if you're isolating yourself or struggling with loneliness, then yes, it could have negative effects on your health.

The key is balance. Whether you're single or in a relationship, it’s all about creating meaningful connections and finding purpose in your life. Being alone doesn’t have to mean being lonely, and sometimes, being single is the perfect opportunity for growth. If you're happy with your life, then you're doing just fine.

If you’re feeling down about being single, talk to someone you trust, explore new activities, and remind yourself that you’re valuable just as you are—whether you’re in a relationship or not. Don’t let societal expectations dictate your happiness.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.